Most of what you say is correct Russ. The ex Ashley Stichbury car was modified and fitted with side mounted radiators and the engine moved forward. It still has the "gravel rash" on the roll bar from the time Beck went over the finish line at Timaru upside down!
As to whether or not they are good looking cars is somewhat subjective-"beauty is in the eye of the beholder" etc etc. Ashley told me about the time their team turned up to a BBQ at McElrea's place after a race and was greeted by "Here he is-the Auto Union driver". It was also referred to as The Pterodactyl-the air vents on the engine cover look like the plates and spines on the dinosaur's back.
The spare car I have is totally original and is still in Marlboro colours except it has "Becko" in black lettering on the engine cover.
I have some beaut photos from a "Marlboro" promo day at Silverstone. Niki Lauda is posing with the F1 McLaren, Johnny Dumfries with with the F3 car and the driver of the Murray Taylor FF (who's name escapes me at the mo).